Akshata Murty, wife of the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, visited a number of Buckinghamshire charities last week (Thursday, March 7).

Starting the day at Weston Turville Church of England Primary School, Mrs Murty met with teachers and students on World Book Day.   

Mrs Murty read The Gruffalo to a group of Year 1s in their natural habitat space outside. She then went to meet with parents, children and therapists at the Pace Centre, which supports children with neurodisabilities, motor disorders and cerebral palsy. 

She then saw the impressive Paralympic sports history display at the birthplace of the Paralympics, Stoke Mandeville Stadium. 

Alongside Wheelpower, which provides opportunities for disabled people to take part in sports, she then learnt about the history of Paralympic sports. She even managed to get stuck into playing some herself, particularly boccia. 

The visits were all supported by Heart of Bucks Community Foundation, who work in partnership with individuals, businesses and public sector organisations, to award funding to hundreds of groups helping to improve the lives of people in Buckinghamshire. 

In the last three years alone, it has awarded over £5 million to local causes. 

“It was truly uplifting to see the best of Buckinghamshire," Mrs Murty said.

"I really enjoyed meeting the kids at Weston Turville and reading them one of our family favourites, The Gruffalo.

"It was also wonderful to see the work being carried out by some the local charities. In spite of the challenges that people are facing, whether that be Cerebral Palsy or other physical and mental disabilities, there were so many positive stories throughout today. 

"Both at the school, and at the charities, the sense of community spirit was so strong throughout.

"Heart of Bucks is doing an amazing job of supporting the initiatives that need it most."

Henry Allmand, CEO, at Heart of Bucks said: “Buckinghamshire has some incredible charities, community groups, and non-for-profit organisations.  

"As the Community Foundation for Buckinghamshire, Heart of Bucks is always delighted to showcase the amazing work being done at a grassroots level in communities throughout the county.  

"We were very pleased to be joined by Mrs Murty for the latest in our ‘Seeing is Believing’ events, which allow people to see firsthand how grassroots community groups make such a positive difference for people in the county."